For many years, one of the leading utility players in the country, Madan Lal proved his value to the side both with his courageous middle-order batting and his nippy medium-pace bowling. He was useful both in Test cricket - as he proved while bowling India to victory over England at Bombay in 1981 or by rescuing the country by scoring a
gallant 74 against Pakistan at Bangalore in 1983 - and in the one-day game - he was one of the heroes of the 1983 World Cup-winning side and earned his name by his spell of three quick wickets that broke the back of the West Indies batting in the final.

He was first picked for the 1974 tour of England based largely on some outstanding
performances around the domestic circuit. He remained an integral part of the Indian team till the 1977-78 tour of Australia. Then for some inexplicable reason, he was out of the side till he was brought back for the series against England in 1981-82. He performed commendably, proving that he had received a raw deal from the selectors for three years, and was then a regular member of the team till 1985. Replaced by younger medium pacers, Madan Lal was brought back for two Tests in England in 1986 - he wasn't a member of the touring squad but was playing in league cricket - and again did well.

At the domestic level, Madan Lal was both a prolific run getter and regular wicket-taker, frequently rescuing his team from a bad start or by taking some quick wickets. His all round record in the Ranji Trophy - 5270 runs and 351 wickets - is one of the best in the national competition. After retirement, he kept in close touch with the game by becoming the coach of the A team and later the senior squad and then a national selector. Partab Ramchand June 2008

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